Lowes Plank | I Could not of BELIEVED how BAD this was until I seen it

I tested Smartcore Pro, Smartcore Ultra and Procore Plus and the results surprised me. Lowe's most coveted vinyl plank was very disappointing.
Time Stamps -
0:00 Introduction to Vinyl Plank being Reviewed
0:35 Smartcore Pro
11:34 Smartcore Ultra
21:25 Procore Plus
35:23 Smartcore Naturals
38:56 Some Good Info
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[@harleywood9588]

This is a great series. I hope at the end you do a summary and a ‘the winner is’ kind of a thing.

[@haileyrodgers1679]

Thank you for sharing that quote. I'm trying to get my floors done amongst a lot of crazy life stuff, really needed to hear that!

[@dunep6465]

I think your reviews are great Joe. Very few would know the differences in how to pick a plank. Great Job.

[@badgrandpa3050]

Just finished 1200 square feet of smartcore pro Burbank Oak with no transitions. Once in a while I did get a bevel on the end. I removed it and repurposed the board. Overall it came out awesome. On a seperate note I just wanted to give you my sincere thanks for your fantastic series of videos. I was able to tackle a job that was way over my head thanks to you.

[@carolyn8728]

Thank you for your informative and super detailed videos- just awesome! I'm doing my research trying to decide If I want to replace my beautiful, but getting worn wool carpet with LVP. Trying to decide which brand to go with if I decide to do LVP, so your videos are perfect for what I need.

[@FloresG998]

I’ve had that exact same Smartcore Ultra in my house for 4 years. Held up great so far. Love the variety in patterns and color.

[@JSYantiss1]

I've had Smartcore Ultra in my kitchen/bathroom since January 2020, and I'm about to put it in my living room next week. Really like the product!

[@LissaKasey]

We just did the ultra in my craft room. The guy who installed it did like 400 square feet in a day and a half (with all the trim of four doors and quarter round). It looks amazing. He said it installed really easily. Worth the money so far. I'm hoping it's got great long term.

[@shsechas]

Thanks for all these videos. It helped us make a decision on whether to install planking, or have our floors sanded. We lifted up our carpet and the floor was in great shape. When we looked at the price of about $4 a square foot for a decent brand. It would cost us the same to have a professional come in and sand. It is 238 Sq Ft. in our bedroom. So the only advantage to use planking would be avoiding the mess. I think our natural floor does look a lot better.

[@johno-gb7ci]

Thanks for all your videos your very experienced at flooring and tiling and have come up with some great tips. I'm a plumber by trade but do the whole job plastering tiling carpentry I'm fussy as fook so like to do a job to a high standard and your videos have bettered me immensely. Thank you so much for your uploads your a master at your job. You should be proud of what you've achieved and how much you've helped other's... cheersn

[@shane250]

Love your vids! Would you ever do a showdown of all the best planks you had against each other? Like a playoff.

[@monitor215]

Funny your review is the same flooring I just installed into a customer's kitchen ...That Woodford oak went in very nicely...finished yesterday

[@amandasettee8922]

glad I found you just doing the due diligence on products

[@RobertWadlingtonDIY]

Great videos helping us diy folks. Can you do a review on the Cali LVP?

[@michael184272]

Very interesting and informative.. thanks for sharing..

[@afkirby]

I’ve installed a little over 1000sq ft of the smartcore pro toasted eucalyptus in our house. Everything you said about the locking system is true, you have to be pretty careful making sure the drop and lock is lined up just right to prevent those creases. We have to go through multiple boxes to find all the different patterns, which there were 5 of. Their factory stair nose was junk so I ended up building a boiling apparatus and bending the planks over a bullnose jig. Keep making these great videos!

[@yaroeb9136]

I’m in the board selection process of doing my stairs and upper floor. Learned lots of stuff already from your vid’s. Few questions: You’ve done a few of these reviews, what’s your top three brands for LVP? Do you have a video on stairs install?

[@roguexranger9043]

I love smartcore ultra works great in kids room no issues. I spent a bunch on top line Mohawk and had someone install scratches within a couple weeks.

[@livens100]

You can find MUCH better LVP at a flooring store that what the Big Box stores offer. I spent 4.60 sqft on LVP stone core, 40mil wear, and the planks were 9" x 72". Having 6' long planks looks sooo much better than the short stuff and the install goes alot quicker. Patterns were better too, 5 unique patterns, staggered and reversed. This helps because too many matched patterns too close to each other really catches your eye. Shop around!

[@jerrytalley802]

Love your videos. QUESTION; Do you recommend mixing boxes as you go?

[@lawrenceweber2010]

bought Cali brand from Lowes for our Condo in Oahu as wife wanted very light grey. It's a bit expensive and hard to lock until one gets the hang of it and almost impossible to unlock without breaking. just installed Mohawk from Costco in a rental unit. Easier to install but locking system not as good and softens in direct Sun so a bit concerned if renters don't keep patio blinds closed.

[@RwP223]

Lanier Hickory batches from 2021 had a lot of patterns I was impressed.

[@BoschRexroth-uscom]

Hi Joe…videos are very helpful. What are your top 5 recommendations for a all vinyl plank? Best locking, best wear, best scratch, most durable. Your guidance is appreciated. Thanks DR

[@BJ2020_]

Other characteristics to concern and/or compare to are: WPC versus SPC ( if you test denting not knowing this it is like apples and oranges ) PVC or PVC free ( health concerns on PVC - you just rid yourself of carpet why? )temp issues min-max ( snow birds etc ) light/sun requirements etc. Curious just internet search this product with as example Inhaus Sono. Great job on what presented in video but had to add more.

[@IppiopaidFEEDBACK]

Never thought of such a review! This is like Project Farm for flooring.

[@coolhluke8089]

I install a lot of flooring personally I like the smartcore ultra the best. It seems to go to gather the best and also it's flexible. I find a lot of customers don't want to spend the extra money to get the floor self leveled and completely flat and this product seems to kind of role with the imperfections in the floor. We have come back on jobs we've done a couple of years before to do other projects and the floor is still holding up .

[@harrywest2780]

Love your information

[@kevinbradley9601]

What a great channel. Stumbled onto you while searching for thoughts on Lowes Stainmaster Laminate. I've installed a bunch of Laminate and one job of LVP over the years. The LVP was a Lowes purchase a couple years ago. I think it was a Mohawk brand which it shocked me how bad it was--- i could not get those planks to lock up no matter what i did. Even when i thought i had a few rows together ok, they would pop apart. Ended up taking all of it back to Lowes. Fast forward to today and i was looking at the Stainmaster Laminate at Lowes. Was messing with it today at Lowes and i was really impressed with the locking and overall quality. It claims waterproof though I'm skeptical. But it seems like a quality product. Curious if anybody has used the Stainmaster Laminate?

[@hp7093]

I’ve put in about 1400 sq ft of ultra Lexington oak. Love it

[@flottagraphics]

Using Stainmaster from Lowe’s. This is my 4th floor install. This Stainmaster is the most difficult floor to work with.

[@bryenlink]

I'm putting StairMaster down right now and this too is my 4th or 5th floor install and I couldn't agree more except that "difficult" may be a bit of an understatement.

[@williammassie1878]

I've installed floors since I was 19 I'm 50 now . No flooring is perfect but the blue box core vinyl plank leaves a lot to be desired. The worst thing about it is the but joints. It was so bad I thought I had it crooked. Gaped a 1/16 at one end of the but and tight at the other. I took 2 random planks out of 2 different boxes and by them self's they were the same. The durability and appearance seemed fine but there machine's n manufacturing could use some serious recalibrating. By the way you do good work

[@tobiasmorgancreatives]

Costco Mohawk grey 44.99 is also a disaster in the heat and sun. I installed it in my store front room with slot of incoming sun and has buckles all over the place..!!😢

[@binkywarren21]

Hey Joe. Do you plan to do any install testing with those Smartcore Naturals? They seem pretty durable but I wonder how easy they lay down or cut.

[@harshh120]

Hi Joe Once again great details. What is your thought about nucore performance from floor and decor ? Thank you

[@Bmd112486]

Nucore is garbage. Dont use it.

[@j5183]

Love your channel bud I'm a floor layer myself when people tell me they got their own material from Lowe's or Home Depot especially when it comes to plank I tell them they get no warranty for me on the install it's complete junk you get what you pay for and people don't understand about the wear layers

[@archerxo1]

Thank you sir!

[@ronm6585]

Thank you. 👍🏻

[@harshh120]

Hi Joe Have you ever tried lifeprood hardwood from Home Depot ? It looks and acts like vinyl but it has looks of hardwood ?

[@onionhead5780]

I’m building an rv van and want to install vinyl planks on the 27”Lx24”Wx 72”H shower walls. I live in south Florida and have lowes and Home Depot near me. I was thinking of using the wide planks to minimize joints and wanted the planks to be over 27” in length so the only vertical laps would be in the corners. I was going to adhere it with sikaflex since that adhesive is used in the boating industry and I figure a van ride wouldn’t be as rough as a boat. What planks would you recommend? Thank you in advance.

[@jessehuerta1946]

Love your videos!! I said, I’m not going to do another house after mine. Then I did my neighbors house and watched your videos and really liked doing it. ( I didn’t watch your videos when I did my house) now I’m a subcontractor and been doing flooring jobs. Thank you for all your videos very helpful and now I’m a pro and love doing flooring jobs!!! Thanks so much and god bless you and your family Joe!!

[@mikekirkelie4037]

I can’t get my short ends to go together. Been working in it for 30 minutes. Just breaking.

[@xcct838]

So what is a good (not great) LVP that has a tongue & Groove vs Drop/click and small or no butt joint gaps? Is there anything < $3 or so?

[@mikehuss8132]

On the Pro Core from Lowes do I need an under lament on a wood floor ? The sub floor is 3/4 inch plywood, in places its not real smooth, thanks.

[@jameswubbolt7787]

Looks good for a year.great job.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thanks 👍

[@davidjeromedawson]

I have the Procore locking system. The short edge failed on the bottom portion of o e of the boards and way the installers placed it, it would be difficult to take off. Do you think the clear gorilla glue trick would help bond that joint together?

[@spindoktor4378]

I had problem with my smart core pro separating on the short side. I used this gorilla glue pro stuff put in where it separated used a suction cup tool with a rubber mallet to push them back together and that seem to do the trick.

[@ksmith7007]

Do you have any info on Empire Today’s Elk Grove Vinyl Plank flooring? I can’t find any information outside of Empire’s website. Thanks.

[@durangarc]

What kind of knee pads do you use? Video idea?

[@michaelarnold6245]

How do I cut the wood core stuff? I have a laminate cutter?

[@cathyb3790]

The other issue that I think is important is that the matte finishes tends to show smudges more ,,, matte finish looks good it could drive you crazy ,,, seeing all these smudges , more shine tends to show smudges less ,,or at least the ones I tried out ,,

[@JamieM470]

But I think more shine shows every speck of dust...I guess there are pros & cons to both.

[@dennispetty6957]

How you tried the laminate flooring from Sam's

[@JMorris216]

Those drop lock systems are great for installing but you shouldnt hammer those butt joints because sometimes it busts that tongue underneath.

[@benniebenson7131]

GREAT VIDOES. But Confused. The Smartcore Ultra would not have passed the edge break test from your video, "I tested 18 Vinyl Planks from a Big Box Store and it AINT PRETTY". The edge of the Ultra is brittle but the edge on the PRO is solid.

[@dawnadams9194]

Are there any brands/styles you would give a rating of a 9/10 or a 10/10? Thank you so much!! I just joined your Laminate University, so excited!!

[@BJ2020_]

A great product is Inhaus Sono made in Germany. One thing not mentioned in video is ingredient PVC. Sono is PVC free and research it and you can see why important not to have in materials. Another thing not mentioned is fading, exposure to sun. Sono also guarantees. Never buy a product of flooring at box store. Go to a local dealer. There are secrets in the industry reason I say that

[@kleong3114]

Thanks!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

No problem! and thank you my friend!!

[@johnvalcarcel8776]

The product was very difficult to lock together many of the planks got damaged during the locking it was a terrible plank to work with especially around jams because you're limited to the way you can move them without damaging them

[@ElTestimonioDirecto]

Can you make a video about starting a flooring buisness?

[@angiedavis793]

I saw a guy had smart core from lowes and had mold underneath in bathroom and kitchen 😞

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

That would be a moisture issue not a smartcore issue.

[@pjmarkert1]

Instructions say to score the top and the backing (Ultra)

[@palebeachbum]

A not-so-cheap laminate or vinyl floor can look cheap with not enough pattern variation. Three is not sufficient IMO and won't look great for over $4/sqft, which is a pricey vinyl. Instead of a tapping block for installation, I use a scrap piece of the flooring and lock it into the plank I'm installing. I find that there's less risk of damage to the groove side of the board. Overall, manufacturers are pumping out so many new floorings every year and it's hard to know what to buy because so much of it is low-quality junk that probably won't last 10yrs in a home, regardless of the price. Videos like this help a lot, so thank you!

[@cantseenothing]

could not HAVE believed...your title!

[@thefauxtist4387]

Maple is very dense. No need for a thicker layer than some of the other woods you showed.

[@williamkaiser8490]

JOE i like your video! Also that your a Christian! BEST flooring from Lowes SMARTCORE Ultra Lexington Oak $3.99 sq.ft no pad needed quiet to walk on waterproof no issues with locking and thick strong and will accept many imperfection in sub flooring. I even heated it up made bull noes interlocking stairs that look like real oak. If i could post pictures you would would see remarkable jaw dropping results!

[@timothy5974]

No longer sold at Lowes here in Chicago suburbs per Lowes😏

[@pottstribe7881]

Are there any 99c sq ft you would recommend?

[@dbeaulieu9730]

I think most people believe Vinyl Planks will make their floor waterproof whereas it doesn't. Only the planks are waterproof. They do not prevent water from reaching their sub-floor. Sometimes that creates a problem by preventing trapped water from evaporating.

[@robfrydryck127]

I did my entire house with the smatcore pro and have to say the 3 out of 10 installations was all on you. Hate to see user error blamed on the product. If anyone is installing this, tap it in on the side before you rubber mallot it. That will let you check the fit. I used a 14? inch 2x4 plank as my tap block. You don't need to pay for anything fancy to do the same thing. The similar pattern is totally unnoticeable, in fact the marblized white transmissions beautifully to the next side piece in my bathroom. Finally, just level your floor. A sheet of lauan works great for most rooms. I needed a floor lever for my living room because it was that bad.

[@greggrusnak6094]

So how is this Lowes Plank Floor? It is SmartCore Plank Floor Sold at Lowes. Lowes Does Not MANUFACTURE the Flooring they SELL Flooring. Huge Difference

[@christopherheist1120]

i have watched a few of these and yet have you shown a list of recommended buy , basically all of the vinyl all suck vs real wood

[@lisamoss3146]

I've watched a few of these too. He actually covered a plank I was leaning toward (Lowe's Style Selection Ashen Oak). I'm about ready to call it a day and just go with new carpet.

[@adaml5503]

Could have. Could'f?

[@rodrossi9749]

Easy cure to to your repeating pattern problem, just buy Smartcore Naturals, real wood never repeats.

[@benjaminziegler7437]

Smartcore was absolute trash when I installed it. Scratched easily, and is a nightmare to install, extremely time consuming. It is outrageously overpriced. Over $4 a ft absolute clown world. The patterns repeat a lot and overall it just does not look the way it's priced. Can't stand it. I vowed to never install it again, if a customer bought it I'll pass on the job

[@richricogranada9647]

ARE VYNIL PLANKS TOXIC?

[@cathie62220]

Thank you! I need a man of God leading me in this journey